The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Shaping Scotland’s future tradesmen
Perth-based A&J Stephen (Builders) Ltd recruits a steady flow of apprentices through the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Ranging from bricklayers and painters to joiners, apprentices enjoy a rounded experience across either construction sites or within the factory which is located on Edinburgh Road in Perth.
Factory foreperson Kirsty Welling said: “Our factory set-up provides a fantastic training ground for apprentices, with a focus on traditional methods alongside the latest technologies and methods.
“We focus on teaching the trades the right way and do our best to instil our business values across all members of the team.
“Not only do our apprentices master the basics of their chosen trade, but we can support them in their longer-term goals and, ultimately, shape the next generation of skilled workers to support Scotland’s construction industry.”
The company also works with various local secondary schools, offering one week’s work experience to pupils within the controlled environment of the factory.
Kirsty said: “There is a pretty significant skills shortage within the construction industry so, to ensure that the future workforce in construction is vibrant and engaged, young people need to be re-educated about what construction is really like.
“As a local employer, and family firm dating back more than 80 years, we are eager to show young people that there are a number of avenues their career path can take in construction and our work experience programme is key to attracting future workers through a positive, hands-on experience.
“As a female, I also play a part in encouraging diversity across the workforce as there is still, unfortunately, a perception that this is a male industry, when clearly that’s not the case anymore.
“We are keen to identify all talent, regardless of gender.”